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Citizen Deck by Theory 11

Created by: Theory 11

Citizen Deck is a visually deceptive card trick that utilizes two decks—a blue Bicycle deck and the Citizen deck by Theory 11—to create a layered illusion. The trick begins with a force (likely the Jack of Clubs) and features a visual top-card change, culminating in the entire deck transforming, subverting the initial assumption that the blue deck was set aside. This is a close-up magic trick that emphasizes misdirection, pacing, and clean handling to achieve a strong deceptive effect.

Key features

  • Uses two decks for a layered illusion

  • Features a force and a visual top-card change

  • Emphasizes misdirection and pacing

  • Demonstrates clean handling to elevate the trick

  • Suitable for close-up magic performances

Pros

  • Visually deceptive and baffling even to fellow magicians

  • Clean handling elevates the trick

  • Uses branded decks to enhance aesthetic appeal

  • Multi-phase routine plays with perception and memory

Cons

  • Requires two decks, which may not be convenient for all performers

  • Relies heavily on misdirection and pacing, which may be challenging for beginners

Effect

The Citizen Deck trick creates a surprising transformation that leaves audiences baffled. The magician starts with two decks: a blue Bicycle deck and the Citizen deck by Theory 11. A spectator freely selects a card (often the Jack of Clubs), and the magician visually changes the top card of one deck. The real shock comes when the entire deck transforms, revealing that what the audience thought was one deck was actually the other all along.

Full details

The trick uses two decks—a blue Bicycle deck and the Citizen deck—to create a layered illusion. The routine begins with a force, likely the Jack of Clubs, to set up the premise. A key moment involves a visual top-card change, making the deception more convincing. The climax reveals that the entire deck has transformed, subverting the audience's initial assumptions.

The magician uses misdirection, such as placing one deck back in its box, to reset the audience's focus before the final reveal. The pacing is deliberate, allowing spectators to process each step before the next surprise.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy multi-phase routines and layered deception. It works well for performers who like using multiple decks and appreciate clean handling. The trick benefits from confident presentation, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced magicians.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick requires proficiency in forces, visual card changes, and misdirection. The handling is clean but demands practice to ensure smooth execution. The pacing and timing are crucial to sell the illusion effectively. While not overly complex, the trick benefits from experience in card magic.

What magicians say

ReidFerry highlights the deceptive strength of the routine, noting how it fools even knowledgeable magicians. He emphasizes the importance of misdirection and pacing, stating, "The trick benefits from pacing, with deliberate pauses to let the spectator process each step before the next surprise."

The reaction from another magician—"you have fooled me"—demonstrates the effectiveness of the method when performed well. The trick's puzzle-like structure and use of branded decks add to its appeal, making it a strong choice for performers looking to refine their multi-phase routines.

What people are saying about Citizen Deck

ReidFerry says...

The trick benefits from pacing, with deliberate pauses to let the spectator (in this case, another magician) process each step before the next surprise. [...] The use of branded decks (like Theory 11) also subtly nods to how prop choice can enhance a trick's aesthetic appeal.

Performance videos